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Born:
Moscow, Russia
Birthdate: June 7,
1981
Pro Career: 1995 -
2003 |
Background
Anna Sergeyevna Kournikova (Russian: Ánna Sergéyevna
Kúrnikova; born June 7, 1981) is a profitable sports
personality who achieved fame first as a tennis player. She
was born in Moscow, Russia to parents Alla and Sergei Kournikova,
but currently lives in Miami, Florida, in the United States.
Career
Kournikova is perhaps the best known player among people
who are not fans of tennis. She dazzled the world at age 13
and 14 in international junior tennis, winning many tournaments
including the 1995 Orange Bowl and the 1995 Italian Open.
Anna Kournikova ended 1995 as the Junior European Champion
and as Junior World Champion.
She set her mark after she became a professional player.
Kournikova debuted at age 14 in the Fed
Cup for Russia, still the youngest player ever participating.
As a 15-year old she reached the fourth round of the 1996
US Open, only to be stopped by
world number 1, Steffi
Graf. That same year she was a member of the Russian delegation
that participated in the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta, Georgia.
As a 16-year old she reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon.
Kournikova's first Grand Slam
title came in 1999 at the Australian
Open in the Women's Doubles event with partner Martina
Hingis. Kournikova and Hingis
frequently played as doubles partners.
While consistently ranked in the top 20 in the WTA tour rankings,
she never won a professional singles tournament (though she
made the semi-finals and finals of many). Her serve was notably
weak for a top-level tennis player but her variety of shots
delighted the pure tennis fan. Now she is perhaps more famous
for her beauty than for her tennis skills.
Personal Life
A number of her relationships have featured
prominently in the tabloid press, and photographs of her scantily-clad
form have appeared in various "lad magazines," including
a much publicized Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Kournikova
was named one of People Magazine's 50 most beautiful people
in 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2003. She was voted hottest athlete
for consecutive years on espn.com. In 2003, readers of FHM
magazine voted Anna the sexiest woman in the world. Kournikova
had a small role (as a motel manager) in the 2000 film Me,
Myself and Irene, starring Jim Carrey.
In 2001 she had ankle surgery and in 2003
she had complicated back surgery. Although she is not playing
on the WTA tour due to these injuries, she still plays exhibition
matches for a good cause. In late 2004 for example she participated
in three charity events organised by Elton John and by good
friends Serena
Williams and Andy
Roddick.
She currently (2002-2005) dates Spanish singer
Enrique Iglesias
For more information check out the "Unnoficial
Story of Anna Kournikova".
Also check out her fitness video, "Anna
Kournikova - Basic Elements: My Complete Fitness Guide"
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